Volunteer Opportunities

A confidential place to talk.

Information and resources.

Shelter and support groups.

Assistance through the court system.

Referral to other support systems.

A safe place when home isn’t safe.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Crisis intervention, court advocacy, office work, handling donations, speaker’s bureau, working with children.

Required training: AWAP will provide training.

Time requirements: Variable.

Volunteer coordinator: Aimee DesRoches (207) 778-6107.

Access to transportation is a major factor in good cancer treatment. Road to Recovery is offered to cancer patients who have no means of transportation and/or who are too ill to drive themselves.

The American Cancer Society has a vast volunteer network in which individuals can make a difference in the fight against cancer. One way they can make a critical difference is by becoming volunteer drivers for the Road to Recovery program. Volunteer driving requires no special skills or education -- just a safe driving record, some free time, a serviceable vehicle, and the desire to help.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS2345.

The American Cancer Society provides support for women dealing with the emotional and physical effects of breast cancer. Volunteers visit breast cancer patients, answer questions and share personal experiences. Early support is also available for women who have detected a breast lump. Reach To Recovery volunteers are positive role models.

Man To man

The Man to Man program helps men cope with prostate cancer by offering community-based education and support for patients and their family members. A core component of the program is the self-help and/or support group. Volunteers organize these free monthly meetings where speakers and participants learn about and discuss information about prostate cancer, treatment, side effects, and how to cope with prostate cancer and its treatment. Some Man to Man groups may invite wives and partners to attend meetings. In other locations, wives and partners may meet separately in a group setting called Side by Side

The American Red Cross also offers CPR, First Aid, Babysitters training, CPR for the Professional rescuer, Bloodbourne pathogens and Disaster Training. For caregivers we offer a series of Caregiving classes that are free of charge to anyone 65 and over or anyone caring for someone 65 or over. With CPR,

First Aid and Bloodbourne Pathogens we can cater to most company requirements to have such classes.

> July 1-6 for ages 8-11

> July 8-13 for ages 8-11

> July 15-20 for ages 12-14

> July 22-28 Teen Wilderness/Adventure week for ages 15-19

How do we do that?

1- Retreats - By providing a place for church and para-church ministries to come to, to reach their people, whether youth, adults, singles, deacons, pastors, men or women, to train them in the Bible. We provide the facilities, the group provides the program. We are available for this at all times of the year except during our summer camp time.

2- Outreach - We desire to help the Church to grow, to train their people and to offer a place where they can go to do ministry. A)-We are able to reach out to the local community by helping churches come here and do VBS and other outreach in the area. We provide the place to stay, the group works with local ministries in reaching people for Christ. This allows youth and adults to do ministry while being stretched in their Christian walk. B)-We are able to help the American Church to grow through ministry and missions by providing a place where they can come and take Blueberry on as missions outreach. The church can come for a day or a week or more and work on projects around camp, or the church can take Blueberry on as one of its missionaries. We, the staff, are not able to do this ministry alone and seek churches to come alongside and help us with the physical work. We become the USA home missions trip of a church and at the same time, we are able to get some of the jobs done that a small staff can not do alone.

3- Summer Camp - We have a summer camp program where we, as staff are able to reach people for Christ. For all of July, we have staff who come to camp for Counseling, Kitchen and Dining Hall duties, Maintenance, Camper Programming as well as Bible and Missions teaching. We seek staff to fill these positions and we seek campers to come to the program. Our desire for summer camp is as follows:- 1-Lead children to Christ. 2-Help the child (and staff) to be assured of their salvation. 3-Help the child (and staff) to dedicate their lives to the Lord, to be better equipped for ministry and to learn what God would have them do in life.

Being a missions work means that all staff at camp is volunteer. All the cooking, cleaning, maintenance, grounds work, vehicle work and upkeep is done by those who come alongside and help us in this ministry. We, as a small staff, are not able to do this ministry alone. We seek churches and individuals to come alongside and help us with the physical work.

There are many projects that we have to do, or must get done. They include cut, split and stack wood, (in the winter reload fireplace areas) rake and mow lawns, carpentry, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, welding, drafting, tree cutting, construction, road maintenance, painting & staining, window washing, trim work, general maintenance, cleaning, secretarial and computer, kitchen and dining hall duties, grounds work, flower garden tending, programming, snow shoveling as well as summer camp staff needs and whatever else needs to be done.

If you would like further information about these programs or how we can help you, your church or para-church ministry, please contact us for further information.

Blueberry Mtn. Bible Camp is located in Township 6 North of Weld, on 300 acres of pristine wilderness, almost 2 miles from the main road. Our lodge includes the following all under one roof : Dormitory space for 50 people, bathrooms/showers, a recreation room, a dining room w/fireplace, chapel w/fireplace, lounge w/fireplace, first-aid station, laundry room, an office, and living quarters for the permanent staff. Total usable floor area is approximately 8,000 sq. ft.

For spring, summer and fall use, there is a sports field, 100-foot waterslide, volley & tether & basketball area, human size foosball court, pond and campfire. We have several nature trails as well as a step waterfall. Deer, bear, moose, turkey, partridge, rabbits, coyotes, martins, hawks, owls, hummingbirds and other birds and other types of wildlife have been seen or heard on camp property. We have many trees ranging from pines, hemlock, furs & cedars to hardwoods like beech, maple, white & yellow & gray birch and ironwood as well as other plant and shrub life. On the property, there is a brook which includes a step waterfall, several seasonal brooks, a pond, wetlands, a field and mountain terrain. The property, in the 1800’s, was a farm and you still can see many stone walls around. We are currently constructing a challenge/initiative course.

How to get to Blueberry Mountain Bible Camp and Conference Center...

From Rumford (West): Route 2 East to Dixfield. At the intersection of Rt. 2 and Rt. 142, go left (North) on Rt. 142 to Weld. In Weld, stay on Rt. 142. Go 4.3 miles just past the transfer station. Camp sign is on the left. The camp is 2 miles up the dirt road.

From Auburn (South): Route 4 north to Wilton where Route 4 merges with Route 2. Continue on Rt. 2 to the bottom of the hill where Rt. 156 intersects. Turn left unto route 156. Follow Rt. 156 to Weld. In Weld, take Route 142 North toward Phillips (straight through intersection). Camp is 4.3 miles on the left just past the town transfer station. The camp is 2 miles up the dirt road.

From Rangeley (North): Rt. 4 South toward Phillips. At intersection of Rt. 142, go right toward Weld. Drive 8.3 miles. Camp road and sign is on the right. The camp dirt road is 2 miles long.

From Skowhegan (East): Rt. 2 to Farmington Falls and intersection of Rt. 156. Go left onto Rt. 156. Stay on Rt. 156 to Weld. In Weld, take route 142 North toward Phillips (straight through intersection). Camp is 4.3 miles on the left just past the town transfer station. The camp is 2 miles up the dirt road.

Last Tuesday of the month 4 - 6 p.m.

Farmington (Transportation): (207) 779-0594

Farmington, 124 Main St. (Family Support): (207) 779-0919

Farmington (HeadStart) (207) 778-7534

Jay (HeadStart) (207) 897-4258

New Sharon (HeadStart) (207) 778-0395

Wilton Bass Office, 284 Main St. (207) 645-9512 (HeadStart) (207) 645-3284

Main office is located in South Paris. Satellite offices located in Auburn, Rumford and Farmington have various program offices including HeadStart, Transportation and Family Support.

Programs include:

Parenting education

Supported Journey into Recovery

Parent Partners

Project Meditation

Family support

Healthy Beginnings

Community Cares

H.E.A.P. (Fuel Assistance) Fuel assistance is available through Community Concepts for residents of Livermore and Livermore Falls.

Electric and Telephone Lifelines

Finders/Seekers (linking people to child care opportunities)

Homeless Shelter

Head Start programs

REACH program (increase efficiency of energy usage),

Self-Help Home Building program, low income housing for Senior Citizens, and Home weatherization program.

Self help Home Building Program has fees:

No down payment, low mortgage payments, instant equity (up to $20,000), interest rates as low as 1%, low closing costs, energy efficient, 3 Bedrooms.

Rides to the airport.

Medicare appointments.

Veterans.

Shopping trips

Non-MaineCare appointments

(MaineCare recipients see the Friends and Family Program)

Once a month, all of the dens and family members gather for a pack meeting under the direction of a Cubmaster and pack committee. The committee includes parents of boys in the pack and members of the chartered organization.

Pack Meetings are for all Cub Scouts and their families. They are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the West Farmington Elks Lodge on School Street. The first Pack Meeting will be on October 4th. At these meetings the Cubs will receive any advancements or awards that they may have earned.

Weight room, gym for basketball and volleyball, recreation room, various programs offered.

Hippach Field:

Tennis courts with lights, basketball, baseball field, volleyball, playground equipment, wading pool, horseshoe pits, and a stream with ice skating in the winter. Located on Intervale Road across from Gifford’s Ice Cream.

"Someplace" Teen Center:

Located in the community building, a space for teens to come and utilize the gymnasium, recreation room, community lounge, computer lab, gaming chamber, weight room, and more.

Municipally owned ballfield

Parent Support, Home Visiting and School-based Violence Prevention programs:

Growing Healthy Families: provides voluntary support to parents in raising their children from birth to age five through home visits. GHF is a partnership between Franklin Memorial Hospital, and The Children’s Task Force.

Parent Support: support groups, playgroups, and workshops.

Young Parent Support Group: open group for parents under the age of 22.

Parent Support Group: open group for parents, Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin County Children’s Task Force. Childcare and snacks provided.

(Other groups develop to meet the needs of the community; call for more details).

Parent Education Classes: seven week class for parent education, Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Memorial Hospital. Certificate available upon completion.

Clothing Exchange: bring-a-bag-get-a-bag of children’s clothes, newborn to sizes 4T, and maternity.

Parent Resource Library: books and videos to provide information to parents, children, and professionals.

Rhythms of Children: Infant/toddler play space – a group for parents and children ages 0 – 5 (particularly for children with disabilities).

Parent Warm Line: call toll-free or our local number and talk confidentially about parenting issues.

School-based Violence Prevention - Bullying/Teasing Prevention Project: district-wide effort to prevent child-to-child violence at elementary level and middle school level.

Kids First Program:

Kids First is a four-hour workshop designed for parents (only) to help address concerns and promote reduction of the negative effects of divorce. Participants are encouraged to attend the program as early in the separation or divorce process as possible.

Special Events: Children’s festival, Father/Daughter Dance, Make Tracks for Kids fundraiser.

Parent Education Classes: $30 fee, Registration required.

Kids First Program: $45 per person, Registration required.

Friday 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesdays 12-4 p.m. Lunch is available on Wednesdays for $1.00.

Adult Literacy volunteers spent more than 455 hours helping people learn to read as well as reading to nursing home residents.

14 Born to Read volunteers served 16 day care centers and Head Starts. Since Born to Read started in 1999, volunteers have read to more than 1,400 young children and opened their minds to the wonder and wisdom of books.

35 RSVP volunteers delivered 22,872 meals through the Agencies on Aging Meals on Wheels Program.

97 volunteers devoted 17,237 and served 28,534 individuals in area food banks, food kitchens and food cupboards.

12 volunteers helped rural public libraries remain open, thanks to their efforts. One of these libraries is completely RSVP volunteer driven -- even the librarian.

Telephone Pioneer volunteers cleaned and repaired cassette players so Maine's visually impaired or legally blind people could borrow them through the Maine State Library's Talking Books Program.

RSVP's courtesy boat inspection program continues to grow: fire volunteers completed 15 boat inspections last summer.

66 volunteers serve as friendly visitors in long-term care facilities, providing social contact, a listening ear and general support. They made 28,713 visits last year.

Volunteers conducted 5 Matter of Balance classes to help people learn to maintain proper balance and reduce their risk of injury from falls. RSVP is holding informational meetings and volunteer trainings in all three counties in an effort to expand the program.

Required training: RSVP serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities. Orientation packets are provided to each volunteer. Individual agencies provide training.

Benefits of RSVP:

Developing a variety of opportunities for community service for older people willing to share their experience, abilities and skills for the betterment of their community and themselves.

Ensuring that volunteer assignments are made consistent with the interests and abilities the volunteers and the needs fo the community served.

Ensuring that volunteers are provided needed orientation, in-service instruction, individual support and supervision, and recognition for their volunteer service.

Providing mileage reimbursement to and from their volunteer assignment, as well as supplemental accident/liability insurance if an accident occurs at the volunteer site, or while traveling to and from the site.

Providing targeted recruitment of volunteers.

Providing information on the management of volunteers.

Providing an annual recognition event for volunteers and station supervisors.

Collaborating with agencies to address the concerns of seniors and community needs.

Time requirements: A minimum of 1 hour per month.

Over 175 volunteers were involved in growing more than 2,200 pounds of chemical-free produce that was donated to area food pantries in 2004. The goal is to raise awareness of food pantries’ needs, increase access to fresh produce by pantry clients, and use the garden as a learning tool for the community.

Another community garden was started at Blueberry Hill Apartments in Farmington in 2005. For more information or to volunteer, contact Liddy at the Healthy Community Coalition at 645-3136 ext. 5113.

Volunteers are needed for all phases of gardening - planning, cultivating seedlings, preparing the soil, planting, weeding and harvesting produce.

Acting in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of 2002 approved by the town, and the Pierce Atwood Planning Study and Revitalization Plan, approved by the Board of Selectmen in 2004, LFBG wishes to create an inviting atmosphere in the downtown village area which will draw in new sources of retail and services. In the process, LFBG will help Livermore Falls develop a more diversified economy, while retaining a small-town/village feel. Recently, with Livermore Falls' acceptance into the Square One Program of the Maine Downtown Center, we also have agreed to organize ourselves according to the four-point principles of the Maine Street Maine Program.

1 - 5 $ 40.00

6 – 10 $ 75.00

11 + $100.00

Individual Membership $ 40.00

Men need to get involved in ending rape, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. We as men perpetrate the vast majority (95%) of the assaults, and yet the topic is usually framed as a "Women’s Issue." We want to make it very clear that we men must get involved because we are involved. We are perpetrators, survivors, and friends of survivors, and need to get involved. We have grand-mothers, mothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, wives, girlfriends, daughters, grand daughters and others who have or may become the subject of abuse.

The Plan

In 2004, the Network published a market study and a strategic plan. The market study suggested that several sectors offered development opportunities (wood products, tourism, handcraft) but that future regional prosperity could not rely on any single sector (no single sector strong enough). Instead of a single sector approach, the strategic plan suggests development in several sectors organized around a single regional brand.

To provide a frame for its sector development and branding activities, the Network's strategic plan adopts the "heritage area" model employed by many other regional development efforts across the United States and the world. In 2006, the Network held a "Rally for the Maine Mountain Heritage Area" in which the basic aspects of the strategic plan were reaffirmed by a wide range of stakeholders.

Structure and Communications

To implement the plan, the Network resolved to operate as a true network, organizing action teams around emerging opportunities and objectives, aligning action across teams through a coordinating committee. Mountain Counties Heritage, Inc. acts as steward of the coordinating committee and provides communications support for the Network as a whole.

The Network publishes an electronic newsletter four times per year. Read Network News online or send an email requesting to receive it.

Programs

Knowledge Power - Building an integrated knowledge and communications system.

Woods and Waters - Supporting multiple, sustainable uses of natural resources.

Village Works - Promoting investment in hub communities.

Mountain Made - Supporting production networks for signature products.

Investment Opportunity Portfolio

The Network is developing a portfolio of "investment opportunities" – local projects that seek capital to move the regional development agenda forward.

GED by appointment. There are some evening classes available for individual and computer instruction.

Strategies: Create collaborative relationships among business, education, private organizations, and public agencies. Seek new business funding from traditional and non-traditional sources. Utilize existing resources for the benefit of the community. Encourage and solicit cooperation throughout the North Franklin County area. Provide skilled labor for business. Support entrepreneurship through training and mentoring.

Values: Seek cooperation and avoid competition. Inclusion of people from all facets of the community. Utilization of community facilities to their greatest potential. Stewardship of the environment. Accountability and trustworthiness.

Volunteer time and your skills to help the Opportunity Center. For more information please contact Bill Crandall (207) 778-9023

The RCAM also has Summer Mission/Work Groups come to Maine in the summer from all over the country to help the RCAM’s Housing Program with rehabilitation on community homes and other RCAM Projects.

Housing Program: Designed to respond to both the emergency and long term needs in maintaining safe and adequate housing.

Gardening Program: Helps people learn to plan, plant, maintain and harvest their own gardens.

Volunteer Program: Creates an opportunity for individuals to help people in need throughout RCAM’s 13 town service area.

Homelessness Prevention Services Program: Helps people to access the right resources to meet their highest possible level of self sufficiency by identifying needs, helping to set priorities, providing information and encouraging progress.

Emergency Shelter: RCAM operates a two unit emergency homeless shelter for families who find themselves without a place to live.

Faith In Action Program: Coordinates volunteers to provide outreach services to frail elderly and disabled.

Food Banks: The RCAM helps to maintain 13 area Food Banks staffed by community Volunteers.

Do you worry about a frail or lonely citizen who is at risk and living alone?

Do you have an elderly neighbor who could use a friendly visit several times a week?

Are you a caregiver and feeling overwhelmed with days of intense care and need a break?

The program offers a unique opportunity to become involved with people. Senior Companions serve 15 or more hours per week visiting several homebound or isolated senior adults. They provide companionship; taking walks together, reading, letter writing, reminiscing, and just being a friend. They may share information about healthful living and activities of daily life, or go shopping together.

Perhaps one of their most important roles is to combat loneliness and isolation, which threaten independence and health. Senior Companions may also provide respite services for family and caregivers.

Twenty hours of initial orientation training, including job shadowing, is coordinated by the University of Maine Cooperative Extention. Job shadowing with an experienced Senior Companion helps you feel comfortable with your new role. Four hours of monthly training is provided through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This education is used by the Senior Companion to help clients with various aspects of daily living providing practical information on how to cope with a range of modern day problems.

This education is used by the Senior Companion to help clients with various aspects of daily living providing practical information on how to cope with a range of modern day problems.

SeniorsPlus Connections – free information and assistance. Our goal is to help you live well in your community. There are numerous services and resources available to help you do that. However, it is often overwhelming to find and access them on your own. Our experts will help you with up-to-date information, a plan of action, assistance with the application process and eligibility determination, if any, for those resources. Just one call to SeniorsPlus – 1-800-427-1241.

Nutrition Programs – SeniorsPlus is the provider of Meals on Wheels to older adults and adults with disabilities who are unable to prepare meals, and provides social dining at multiple locations throughout the three counties.

Medicare Assistance – We are the Medicare experts. If you have questions about Medicare Parts A, B, C or D, SeniorsPlus can help you. We provide community education, as well as one-on-one appointments to help people make decisions on the best coverage for them, and to help resolve Medicare questions and concerns.

Caregiver Support – SeniorsPlus provides education, connections, support groups and respite services for people caring for another person.

Wilton Community Center – The SeniorsPlus Wilton Community Center houses the kitchen for our nutrition programs, is a daily lunchtime dining site, and is a site for education, activities, exercise programs and one-on-one assistance. It’s located at 251 U.S. Rte 2, and the center is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. The phone number is 645-3315 or 1-888-234-3921 (toll free).

Volunteer Opportunities – Community members can find many opportunities to assist in carrying out the services of SeniorsPlus. From Meals on Wheels drivers to computer experts to financial counselors to customer service representatives to home repair persons, SeniorsPlus counts on community members to help provide its services and make quality of life available to more older adults and adults with disabilities. For volunteer opportunities, call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241.

Trauma Recovery and Empowerment support groups are provided for both the women and men, and support groups for teens are available through the high schools throughout Franklin county. SAVES School-Based Advocate spends one day each week in each of the high schools to meet with students who need support. Programs to help people understand and reduce the risk of sexual assault are offered to students and residents throughout Franklin County.

Victims of sexual assault or abuse (and their family or friends) can access services through SAVES 24-hour, toll-free Hotline.

Clients are never charged for the services SAVES provides.

Support groups:

Women’s Empowerment Group

Creative Recovery for Women

Men’s Survivor Support Groups

Survivors of Incest, Sexual Abuse & Rape Support.

Programs at Titcomb get children outdoors to enjoy winter and the fun of skiing and snowboarding!

Down Hill ski programs include Alpine Snow Kids for Grades K-3, SAD 9, beginner to advance skill levels. For further infomation call 778-7385. Saturday Ski School for ages 6 and up, beginner to advance skill levels; Buddy Werner Recreational Racing for ages 12 and under, beginner to advance skill levels; F.A.S.T.-Farmington Area Ski Team for Grades 5-8, intermediate to advance, middle school level competitions. This is an after school program meeting three to five days a week including some Saturday races. For further information call 778-9031.

Cross-country Skiing Programs include: Beginner to advance lessons with Bill Koch for Grades k-8 on Wednesdays (optional Monday lessons for Grades 4-8) from 3:45-5:00.

F.A.S.T.-Farmington Area Ski Team for Grades 5-8 offering intermediate to advance lessons, middle school level competitions.

Alpine Snowboard Programs include beginner to intermediate lessons with Nana Webber for Grades 3-6 on Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m.

The Saturday SB School offers beginner to advance lessons for ages 8 & up 10:00 or 11:15 am.

Full-Day (Weekends and Holidays) Adult ticket $22; Young Adult (13-17) $20; Junior (6-12) $18

Every Friday Student Night 6-9 p.m. $9 ticket, $8 rental.

Rentals: Adult Full-Day, $18; Half-Day $13; Junior Full-Day, $15 Half-Day $10.

Saturday lesson rentals - $10

Nordic/Cross Country rentals: Adult Full-Day, $15, Half-Day, $10; Junior Full-Day, $11 Half-Day $8; Young Adult Half-Day $9

Check web site for many more scheduled activities and events. Private ski lessons at $20 an hour, $5 for each additional person.

Wednesday and Friday include night skiing 3:00-8:00 p.m.

Parking is available in the Knapp Street parking lot adjacent to the church.

Contacts: Raymond Bryant, Board chairperson.